Expedition Details
The nation’s capital for more than 200 years, Washington, D.C. is packed with evocative memorials, stunning neoclassic architecture, and eclectic neighborhoods. Head out on daily shoots to photograph Eastern Market and the stately rowhouses of Georgetown, the vibrant streetlife of the historic U Street corridor, and the majestic monuments of the National Mall. On a behind-the-scenes tour of National Geographic’s headquarters, meet with a photo editor from the magazine and learn how the photographic process works at the Society.
These workshops—each led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor—are designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. Each weekend workshop is limited to 25 students.
The following is our planned itinerary; however, our schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities.
Itinerary - 4 Days
Day 1 — Thursday: Washington, D.C.
Arrive in Washington, D.C. and settle into the ideally located Beacon Hotel, just steps from National Geographic's headquarters and the lively Dupont Circle area, or stay at accommodations of your choice. Meet for a welcome dinner and an image presentation by a National Geographic photographer.
(D)
Day 2 — Friday
In the morning, gather for breakfast at National Geographic headquarters and meet with a photo editor from the magazine for an illustrated talk on the key elements that make a National Geographic–quality image. Participate in a discussion on digital workflow followed by a presentation by your National Geographic expert. After lunch, head into the vibrant neighborhoods of D.C. to shoot your first workshop photo assignment. Shoot the stately architecture of Dupont Circle, or focus on the hip, ethnically diverse Adams Morgan neighborhood. In the late afternoon, return to headquarters for an edit-and-critique session with your instructors — and to receive your next assignment.
(B,L)
Day 3 — Saturday
Spend the morning on the National Mall, shooting your next assignment amid the White House, the Capitol, and the iconic monuments and memorials that commemorate American history. Capture lively scenes of street performers, children flying kites, or kayaks skimming along the Potomac River. Meet back at National Geographic for an afternoon edit-and-critique session with your instructors. Then gather for a group dinner followed by a presentation of the best work taken during the workshop.
(D)
Day 4 — Sunday: Washington, D.C./Home
Rise early to capture scenes of Eastern Market coming to life in the morning's first light. Later, join your instructor for a tour at National Geographic, and learn how the photographic process works at the Society. The workshop concludes at noon after a final question-and-answer session with your instructors.
For questions on this workshop, please call 1-866-797-4686.
Related Trips
National Geographic Expert
Dan Westergren
As senior photo editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine, Dan Westergren is responsible for the magazine's photographic vision and one of the leaders of the magazine's photo workshop series. While Dan particularly enjoys cold, high places, having photographed the summits of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Blanc, and the Matterhorn for the pages of Traveler, he is equally at home in warmer climates as well.
Dan will join the following departures:
Oct 14 - 17, 2010 • Jun 02 - 05, 2011Expedition Dates 
indicates a departure that has a slightly different itinerary than the one shown on this page. Click the icon to see the day-to-day itinerary.
Expedition Costs
Airfare from/to your home city is not included in the expedition cost.
What To Expect
These workshops—each led by a National Geographic photographer and a professional instructor—are designed for amateurs who are interested in improving their digital photography. All participants must bring a digital SLR camera, a laptop computer, and software for organizing and presenting images. Each weekend workshop is limited to 25 students.
